Representation Analysis

H&M

This advertisement features very diverse groups of people. H&M chose to film people of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities and ages, as well as including different body sizes and disabilities. They decided to break stereotypes such as religion and etiquette and body hair, and in some cases reinforce those stereotypes to push their audience to be proud of who they are and what they want to do. Clothing is a way to express who you are, and in this ad H&M encourages everyone to wear what makes them feel good. 

"Close the loop" could positively affect the audience by making them feel empowered, giving them a better sense of confidence now that they feel represented and present in the media. This idea is supported by the message at the end saying that "there are no rules in fashion..." This could show very diverse groups of people that they are becoming increasingly more valid and supported in the media, while also advertising a good cause: recycling your clothes.

Axe Body Spray

This Axe commercial doesn't represent different groups of people and communities well. All of the women in the advertisement have the same fit body type and are wearing bikinis. There's the same black actor shown twice through out the entire advertisement, and the only male character in the ad is white, showing they have minimal diversity between their actors. The audience watching this commercial could be affected negatively. It could rub off on young men and women that aren't white, perhaps leading them to think that they are inferior or less attractive, and worst of all could lead young men to thinking that Axe is attractive in any way, let alone enough to attract hundreds of women in minimal clothing from every direction.